Vikings report: Regime change could be just what doctor ordered

After the Minnesota Vikings fired Leslie Frazier in December, general manager Rick Spielman conducted interviews with dozens of players, asking the qualities they wanted in their new coach.

One theme in players' answers: Find someone who can cut the crap.

Too often under the previous regime there was drama behind the scenes and a lack of discipline. Players did what they wanted, especially some of the more tenured veterans, who pushed back against everything from schematic changes to practicing in pads during the season.

The hiring of Mike Zimmer and his staff of experienced assistants, including respected offensive coordinator Norv Turner, was a logical response — and the difference was obvious from the moment offseason practices began.

The volume has risen on the practice field, giving at least the impression of an increase in accountability. And there is reason for players to buy into what's being said (or yelled), given the track record of Zimmer and Turner on their respective sides of the ball.

Make no mistake: These are the qualities Spielman wanted, too, as he reaches a critical juncture in his nine-year stint as the Vikings' ranking personnel man. For the first time, Spielman is in control of not only an NFL roster but also the men charged with coaching up the players on it.

Dave Wannstedt was in place as the Miami Dolphins coach when Spielman got his first GM job in 2004 and was succeeded by Nick Saban, whose authority over personnel made for a rocky relationship before Spielman's resignation in June 2005.

Frazier wasn't Spielman's choice either. He had been promoted from interim coach with equal say over the roster after the 2010 season. Though Spielman was named GM after a 3-13 debacle in 2011, he didn't get the opportunity to pick his coach until two years later.

He chose Zimmer, 57, who commands respect with his no-nonsense personality and the success his defenses enjoyed in Dallas and Cincinnati.

And Zimmer chose Turner, 62, who made his name coordinating the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl-winning offenses in the 1990s.

For Spielman, it's freeing to believe he has men in place who know how to develop a raw athlete on defense (such as first-round pass rusher Anthony Barr) or a young quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater) as the Vikings try to build around their seven first-round picks over the last three years.

For the players, it's a welcome change to believe their coaches can put them at an advantage week in and week out while keeping in check the nonsense that has dogged the franchise for years.

Only time will tell if by getting what they wanted, they also got what they needed.

Quarterback

Matt Cassel entered the offseason atop the depth chart after voiding his contract in March, only to re-sign the next day for a raise (two years, $10.5 million). His presence will allow coaches to be patient with first-round pick Bridgewater, who they think can develop into the long-term answer. Ex-starter Christian Ponder figures to stick around because his $1.76 million base salary is guaranteed and he could take the lumps if something happens to Cassel.

Running back

Adrian Peterson is coming off surgery for a third consecutive year — this time a relatively minor abdominal procedure. But the Vikings insist they have no concerns about the 2012 league MVP, particularly if they can lighten his load going forward. Matt Asiata could take on a bigger role with Toby Gerhart having left via free agency. There's also excitement about third-round pick Jerick McKinnon, a phenomenal athlete from Georgia Southern. Fullback Jerome Felton is back after taking a pay cut. The whole group figures to be more involved as receivers under Turner.

Wide receiver

One of 2013's first-round picks, Cordarrelle Patterson, has already developed more as a route runner than Percy Harvin ever did. He likely will take over as the starting split end and could be special in Year 2. Greg Jennings returns at flanker and has made over his body at age 30 in hopes of rebounding from a frustrating season. Jarius Wright figures to be used all over the formation. Jerome Simpson is back on another one-year deal, too, and has value if he stays out of trouble.

Tight end

Kyle Rudolph isn't going to beat defenders with the type of speed and athleticism that tight ends Turner has turned loose with previous teams. But Rudolph is healthy again and is a big body who can compete inline and box people out in pattern. Rhett Ellison is primarily a blocker. Chase Ford is a receiving threat. So is undrafted rookie AC Leonard, who might have been a middle-round pick if not for his troubled stint at Florida. His $2,500 signing bonus could be a bargain.

Offensive line

If Matt Kalil can grow up as a pro and rebound from a disappointing second season (plus minor knee surgery), this should be one of the NFC's best units. Brandon Fusco quietly has become a top-shelf right guard and is in line for a new deal. Right tackle Phil Loadholt and center John Sullivan are solid players on either side of him. Only left guard Charlie Johnson's job isn't assured, with Jeff Baca and perhaps fifth-round pick David Yankey pushing him.

Defensive line

A lot of resources went into this facelift, with high-motor left end Brian Robison the only returning starter. Ex-New York Giant Linval Joseph (five years, $31.25 million) takes over at nose. Everson Griffen (five years, $42.5 million) goes from utility player to Jared Allen's old spot at right end. Ex-Chicago Bear Corey Wootton, ex-New Orleans Saint Tom Johnson and third-round pick Scott Crichton figure to be in the rotation, too. Sharrif Floyd, a first-round pick in 2013, is first in line to replace Kevin Williams as the three-technique after a rookie year in which he flopped for multiple reasons.

Linebacker

No position besides quarterback has more questions. Top pick Anthony Barr has drawn comparisons internally to DeMarcus Ware, but the Vikings think he'll be more than a pass rusher. He has the speed and mobility to cover from the strong side and a 6-5 frame that makes it tough to throw over his head. Depending how quickly Barr progresses, Chad Greenway could move to the middle. Gerald Hodges has the athletic skill set to challenge for the weak side spot.

Secondary

Two recent first-round picks, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith, will start and might be future stars. Josh Robinson is penciled in at the other outside corner but has been inconsistent and injury-prone. Spielman loaded up on options in free agency and the draft. Ex-Carolina Panther Captain Munnerlyn (three years, $11.25 million) should play mostly inside. Robert Blanton could be a factor for the second safety job.

Special teams

Blair Walsh is one of the NFL's best kickers. Jeff Locke showed promise as a rookie in 2013, too, once he stopped thinking and just punted. Long snapper Cullen Loeffler is the oldest and longest-tenured Viking, now entering his 11th season at 33. Patterson will return kicks unless coaches decide to spare him from the hits. Punt returner Marcus Sherels also is back.

Coaching

After 35 years as an assistant and numerous near-misses, Zimmer finally got his first head coaching job at 57. Job one: Fix the defense, as he did in his last stop as coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals. Zimmer's staff is loaded with experience, too, from Turner to defensive coordinator George Edwards to special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. Former NFL coordinators Jerry Gray (defensive backs) and Jeff Davidson (offensive line) are working as position coaches.